Ashes PHOTOS: Rain delays start of second day at Oval

Shane Watson's Test-best 176 was the cornerstone of the tourists’ imposing total. It was only his third Test hundred -- his first in 25 matches and 48 innings since his previous best of 126 against India at Mohali in October 2010.

He was especially severe on England debutants Chris Woakes, a medium-pacer, and left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan who ended the day with expensive combined figures of none for 105 in 23 overs.

Steven Smith was 66 not out overnight having helped Watson add 145 for the fourth wicket.

England have never won four Tests in a home Ashes series, while it is 36 years since Australia last went through an Ashes without winning a single Test.